Turkey Must “Re-Interpret” Secularism, Says AKP’s Kuzu

As part of the headscarf ban dispute, last week Istanbul University was ordered to stop teachers from expelling students for wearing headscarves to class.

Turkey must “re-interpret” secularism, says AKP member Burhan Kuzu.

Kuzu is the chairman of the constitutional commission in the AKP-controlled parliament.

The AKP grew out of banned Islamist parties. Some opponents fear the party wants to introduce sharia and break down Turkey’s secular society.

One of the issues the on the AKP agenda is the ban on headscarves in public education institutions.

“The headscarf issue for example is not about secularism, but about individual liberties. Turkey’s new constitution should focus on democratic values and individual rights,” Kuzu said.

Opposition to the AKP has swiftly taken out any attempt at lifting the headscarf ban in the past.

Higher Education Board chief Yusuf Ozcan has said he would defend those who choose not to wear headscarves as fiercely as those who do, leading a journalist to suggest Ozcan’s admission means uncovered girls face pressure.

The AKP, which has been in power since 2002, will draft a new constitution after elections in June.

Liz Leslie is a journalist based in Bloomington, Indiana. As an associate Web producer for WFIU, Liz maintains the Muslim Voices Twitter and Facebook as well as writes for the blog. She also contributes to Earth Eats.More posts by this author »